https://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/ /manager/Index en-au 5 https://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/ /manager/Repository/uon:26579 −1) under CO₂ environment (200 mL min⁻¹) (Composite 2). A uniform dispersion of nano-scale carbon spheres was formed on partially destroyed palygorskite structures. Composite 2, which indicated the formation of graphitised carbon nanoparticles, generated a 17-fold greater specific surface area than Composite 1 and also created micro- and mesopores in its structure. The nanocomposites, especially in Composite 1, contained organic surface functional groups (C⎯H, C=C, C=O) and indicated variable affinity to cationic and anionic dye compounds. While Composite 2 adsorbed a larger amount of anionic orange II dye (23 mg g⁻¹), Composite 1 adsorbed more cationic methylene blue (46.3 mg g⁻¹). Isothermal and kinetic modelling of the adsorption data indicated that in addition to electrostatic attraction for methylene blue adsorption on both nanocomposites, a pore diffusion mechanism was involved and the boundary resistance was greater for orange II than methylene blue adsorption. Being a material developed from green biomass (starch) and an abundant natural resource (palygorskite), these nanocomposites have immense potential for application in environmental remediation including in situ immobilisation of contaminants in soil.]]> Sat 24 Mar 2018 07:26:11 AEDT ]]> https://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/ /manager/Repository/uon:30526 Sat 24 Mar 2018 07:25:05 AEDT ]]>